Why is Chittagong Container Terminal strategically vital for the port?

The race to secure operating rights of the Chittagong Container Terminal has intensified, with global port operators DP World and Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT), along with local conglomerate MGH Group, expressing interest in managing the facility.

Industry insiders say the competition is driven not only by business opportunities but also by the terminal's strategic position within Chittagong Port.

Control of the terminal could significantly expand an operator's influence over the country's main seaport, which handles the bulk of Bangladesh's container trade.

Strategic value of CCT

Chattogram Port currently operates four container terminals – General Cargo Berth, Chittagong Container Terminal (CCT), New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT), and Patenga Container Terminal.

Among them, the Chittagong Port Authority operates General Cargo Berth, CCT and NCT through local entities, while Saudi Arabian operator RSGT currently manages the Patenga terminal.

Interest in CCT has increased mainly because of its location. The terminal sits between New Mooring Terminal and General Cargo Berth, effectively linking the port's two largest container-handling zones.

According to port data, NCT handled around 44% of the port's total container volume last year, followed by GCB with 36%, CCT with 16%, and Patenga with nearly 4%.

Industry insiders say if CCT is integrated with NCT under DP World, the UAE-based operator could gain influence over nearly 60% of the port's container throughput.

On the other hand, if CCT and GCB eventually come under RSGT's management, the Saudi operator's share could rise to around 55%.

The competition marks the first time that operators from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are directly competing for control of the same terminal at Chattogram Port.